Sensormind, an Irish start-up that is developing healthcare technologies targeted at older people, has been shortlisted, in partnership with Vodafone, for an award in the Global Mobile Awards, which are taking place during the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The company, which was co-founded in 2008 by Siobhan King-Hughes and Cian Hughes, has been shortlisted for the Best Mobile Health Product or Service award in the Global Mobile Awards.

The aim of the awards is to recognise innovation within the mobile communications industry. The awards will be presented at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on 26 February.

"Sensormind is delighted to have been shortlisted for this award with our partners Vodafone," said King-Hughes, CEO of Sensormind.

She said the company has created a product to provide a critical service to elderly and vulnerable customers every day.

"We are looking forward to taking our product awareness to a global audience through this award," added King-Hughes.

Erik Brenneis, who is head of Vodafone’s global machine-to-machine (M2M) business, said that M2M technology is transforming the way people live, work and engage with the world.

"This service is helping older and vulnerable people to live independently, and it empowers and reassures their carers. We are delighted to be working with Sensormind on this solution," he said.

The Best Mobile Health Product or Service award aims to highlight the rapidly emerging area of mobile connectivity in healthcare.

It looks at how healthcare innovations are tackling global challenges, such as making healthcare affordable and accessible to all and how mobile technology can be used for areas such as prevention, diagnosis, treatment and health system services.

Siliconrepublic.com is hosting Med Tech Focus, an initiative which over coming months will cover news, reports, interviews and videos, documenting Ireland’sleading role in one of the hottest sectors in technology.